Unretirement Project

Retirement Redefined

How to Create Your Retirement Vision Board

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brainstorming rules to help create a retirement vision board

One of the best things that Keith and I started doing to help our retirement was to start talking about it. What do we want our retirement to look like? It helped us realize that we want a period of “unretirement”. It’s one of the reasons that we started this blog. 

But there are times when simply talking about future goals isn’t enough. And even writing down goals isn’t enough. I want to see more than the words. I want to see what the future may look like. Visualize it. 

A vision board can be a good way to do that. Vision boards are a tool used to help clarify, concentrate, and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do, or have in your life. 

There are many ways to create a vision board. Maybe you keep it in a journal. Or a bulletin board. For me, I’m finding the perfect place to keep a vision board is Pinterest.

A few years ago, I wrote a 5-day plan for learning Pinterest on HR Bartender. Since then, I continue to see activity and engagement on the platform. My experience with Pinterest is that it’s less of a dialogue or conversation platform and more of an inspiration, utilization platform. Think of it like a digital bulletin board. 

If you’re looking for a way to stay focused on a goal, consider creating a vision board to help make that happen. Here are five things to note:

  1. You can make it secret. Not ready to share your vision board with the whole world. No problem. Pinterest has a feature that allows you to make a board “secret” so only you can see it. 
  1. Section it to fit your needs. Pinterest has a nice feature where a “board” can have “sections”. So, your vision board could have a personal AND a professional section. For example, your retirement vision board might have sections for your encore career, where you’d like to live in retirement, and places you’d like to visit. 
  1. Pin images, articles, and quotes that help you achieve your goals. One of the things I like about Pinterest is that I can pin a variety of things – images, articles, quotes. I can pin stuff from the internet and photos I’ve taken or articles I’ve written. Bottom-line: it’s flexible.
  1. Change it when you want to. After pinning something, you can move it to another board, or delete it completely. Let’s say you pin a list of the top cities for retirees. Couple of months later, you see a better list. Delete the old one and replace it with the new one. 
  1. Delete what doesn’t work. One of the downsides to vision boards can be a feeling that you look at it and say, “I’m not getting to my vision fast enough.” Or “I’ll never achieve the goal.” It’s important to remember that our goals change regularly, and we have to be willing to let go of some goals in order to make other ones happen. Vision boards must be flexible to be effective.
  1. Your vision board can be portable. I’m not against the bulletin board type vision project, but there’s something nice to me about having my vision board with me all the time. If I’m at a conference or out at dinner, and I hear something, I can immediately post it. Versus going home, then finding/printing/posting it. 
  1. When you’re ready, you can share it. There might be components of your vision board that involve coworkers, family or friends. Maybe you want to start a business. Or move to a different city. Pinterest allows you to share boards with others.

Vision boards can help us with our career goals, life goals, and maybe even retirement goals. We have the flexibility to create something that fits our needs. Because the goal with a vision board is to make it happen. So, if it works, take advantage of what Pinterest can offer.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby somewhere in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Now May Be the Best Time to Volunteer – Or Not

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Original art by Peter Tunney Today Is the Day as it might apply to being a volunteer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 62.6 million people volunteered in the United States at least once in 2015 which was the last time such statistics were published. Of those volunteers, most were between 35 – 54 years of age and they spent a median of 52 hours on volunteer activities.

We know that planning is important when it comes to unretirement. There seems to be a never-ending number of decisions to be made and, possibly, changed along the way. We’ve written extensively about the importance of getting these decisions right to keep your retirement years sustainable and enjoyable.

But an encore career is just a part of your retirement life. It’s essential to find other ways to fill your retirement days.

Volunteering may be a great way to match your interests and skills with great opportunities to help and give back. In fact, AARP is so supportive of volunteering, that they have created a portal specifically for volunteers. Their Volunteer Wizard can guide you to the perfect experience for your interest and skills. They can even narrow it down to within 10 miles of where you live.

If you are like me and a global pandemic cramps your travel, never fear. There are many volunteer opportunities to be had that only require a phone or computer. Online tutors are in huge demand right now. If you are more of an environmental activist, many organizations are looking for volunteers to support causes like save the bees and stop overfishing oceans. Citizen scientists can volunteer for eBird through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to record local bird sightings.

Let’s not forget that this is an election year and parties, candidates and causes are all looking for volunteer help. Highly organized campaigns have lists of voters who actually want to receive text messages. Or you can work to help register voters before the general election. If you can safely get to and volunteer at your local voting site, many are desperate for help in the weeks ahead.

Simplification may be the key for many who have a very active retirement life. But don’t let that stop you from giving back. I’m talking about shopping and giving a portion of what you spend to charitable causes. Sites like AmazonSmile offer the same products you buy at the same prices, but they donate a percentage of the proceeds to the charity of your choice. It’s simple and automated – all you have to do is select a charity and start shopping!

Right now may be the best time to do some research to find that volunteer opportunity. Many of us are still cutting back on activities and travel due to COVID-19. Use your spare time to find something that matches your interests and skills. And if volunteering is still a few months or years away, no problem. You can do the groundwork now to find what’s best for you.

We know that, for many, workplace unrest, furloughs and layoffs have upended retirement planning. Volunteering may not be an option when your focus is on an interim job or your next opportunity. However, a volunteer role may provide experience, new skills, or connections that could lead to a new job. Something to keep in mind. For others, volunteering can be a rewarding way to support others and the causes that really matter.

What We Are UP To – The Music Edition

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music image showing notation

I read an article recently about “Using Music for Self-Care” that was very interesting. I had always heard about theories like the Mozart effect (which I don’t believe is true) but I can definitely see how listening to music can be helpful in stressful situations. While we’re not experiencing any out of the ordinary stress this month, we are listening to a lot of music and it’s been nice. Here’s what else we’ve been up to:

Watching | TwinsthenewTrend

> Tim and Fred Williams are twins who record their reactions to music that they’ve never heard before. I recently discovered them when their reaction to the Phil Collins classic song “In the Air Tonight” went viral. Totally loved it and have been checking out their older videos. I especially liked their reaction to “Dream On” by Aerosmith.  

Geeking | Spotify

> I think one of the reasons that I’ve been enjoying the TwinsthenewTrend videos is because they’ve been listening to a lot of the music that I listened to growing up. The blast from the past is fun. I’ve also found a couple of playlists on Spotify that are filling my need for the oldies: 70s Road Trip and Classic Road Trip Songs. If you have a Spotify account (FREE), check them out.

Loving | Peloton

> Yep, we broke down an bought a Peloton. COVID-19 put our Pilates plans on hold and we really wanted to exercise. So, we looked at all of the money that we would have spent on classes and it quickly justified the expense. One of the things that I’m enjoying about Peloton classes is the music. I’m finding some new artists to enjoy. If you’re considering a Peloton, let me share with you my referral code – 83QXDQ. If you use it, you’ll get $100 to spend toward accessories. I get a little something too. 

Remembering | Halloween

> It’s hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. I mentioned last month that we’re working on organizing our garage. Well, in the process we found our Halloween decorations. Frankly, I’m not sure we should put them up. Which is sad, since this is our first Halloween in the new neighborhood. But better to be safe. The good news is that we will be able to do our annual viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and sing along to the music. 

Planning | Going to a show?

> Speaking of holidays, one of the things we love to do in the fall is go to the theater. And I’m not sure that’s going to happen this year. Last year, we were able to see both Randy Rainbow and Lindsey Stirling in concert. (Not together, separate shows.) Both were fabulous! Now we’re eyeing the fall new movie releases and realizing that we might be catching a lot of shows when they come out on video. 

Feeling | Ready for Autumn 

> My Pinterest page is filled with soup recipes! While I’m enjoying salad season, I can’t wait for soup season. We discovered some soup mixes from King Arthur Baking right at the end of last winter. They were easy to make and very tasty. I’m looking forward to making some soup as soon as the weather drops below the 90s. 

Working On | Estate Planning

> We’re taking our own advice and updating our wills and health directives. This process is a lot less stressful when you have the time to think about and discuss your final wishes. 

Reading | “Life” by Keith Richards

> I saw an article in Rolling Stone that ranked the best musician autobiographies of all time. One of my favorites is “Life” by Keith Richards. I’m not even a huge Rolling Stones fan and I loved this book. If you’re looking for a nice read to finish your summer, this might be it. 

What’s UP with you? Let us know what music you’re listening to these days. 

Take Charge of Your Career with These 7 Development Activities

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sign don't dream it be it for career development

Now more than ever, we need to realize that, as individuals, we play a role in our own career development. But saying that and doing it are two separate things. It’s easy to tell ourselves that we need to take a more active role in managing our careers. The question becomes how we make that happen and be successful at it. After all, most of us need to be successful for many more years to come.

Regardless of where you are in your career, here are a few things to consider. You don’t have to do all of these at once. But think about how working on these activities could benefit your performance and help you to achieve your career goals.  

  1. Understand how your individual performance impacts the organization’s mission, vision, and values. All organizations care about their performance. So, understanding how what we do on an individual level impacts the bottom-line is important. And if you don’t know…ask! Your manager should be able to discuss it with you. 
  1. Set relevant, challenging but achievable goals. While your manager might have some suggestions for you in this area, you should want to have a say in your own goals. You will ultimately be held accountable for goal achievement. Don’t hesitate to include self-learning as a career goal.
  1. Always say “yes” to training. I’m of the mindset that I can always learn something, even from bad training. And what’s awesome today is there are so many free learning events available (i.e. webinars, podcasts, and massive open online courses [aka MOOCs] immediately come to mind). If the company offers training, take it. And if they don’t, find some free learning for yourself.
  1. Learn how technology can improve your performance. Today’s technology solutions can help us reduce bureaucracy and a duplication of effort. It’s often not about having more technology but simply knowing how to use the technology we have really well.
  1. Solicit feedback from your manager and coworkers. Sometimes our perception of our own performance isn’t the same as others. This doesn’t mean that we have an overinflated ego or that our performance is poor. It’s possible we’re being too hard on ourselves. Ask your manager and peers for feedback about your performance so you can develop yourself. 
  1. Become proficient on how to deliver feedback. Your organization needs and wants feedback. Most of the time that feedback comes during performance conversations with your manager. Delivering specific feedback in a timely fashion can help the organization and make a difference in understanding your own performance and goals. That kind of feedback brings value. 
  1. Congratulate yourself for a job well done. Your organization should recognize and reward your hard work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it too. Consider attaching some rewards to your goals. When you meet a tough deadline or finish a big project, don’t hesitate to pat yourself on the back. 

I’m not saying that organizations shouldn’t help with some of these activities. They should. But honestly, they need our help. Managers want to know your career goals. They want to know how you like to learn. Open honest two-way communications will help you and the company create a win for everyone.

How to Be a Better Team Player at Work

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sign motivate inspire encourage thank are ways to be a better team player

I hate to say it, but I think one of the major contributing factors to ageism is not being able to become a part of the team at work. This doesn’t mean we have to go out partying after work – unless you want to of course. It does mean finding ways to build positive working relationships with people of all ages. 

If you haven’t read the Harvard Business Review article “Collaboration Overload”, check it out. My big takeaway from the piece is that employees spend more time collaborating than ever before. And that the skills it takes to be a good collaborator are different than being a high-level contributor. So, one of the qualities that can make us an effective team player is learning how to become a better collaborator. Here are 10 things to focus on:

  1. Communicate! I know, I know. Communication always shows up on these lists. But effective communication with the team is important. It’s how we present ideas, provide feedback, and ultimately accomplish goals. One aspect of communication that’s particularly important is empathy. Try to remember what it was like being in your younger colleagues’ shoes. Being a good team player means having empathy for others and using it when delivering messages.
  1. Balance the positive and negative. I’m one of those people who believes that life isn’t always positive nor is it always negative. Knowing when to be the skeptic and when to be the cheerleader is important. We run the risk stopping momentum if we don’t know how to motivate people. I’m not saying don’t present your concerns but figure out how to do it where the other person doesn’t lose their zest for the project. 
  1. Think about work flows. Sometimes one of the most valuable things a team player can do is explain how things get done in their department or the company. Not always what the policy is – although that can be helpful too – but how things really get done. If you’ve been working at the company for a long time, you probably already know this. Being a good team player means not only knowing how things work around the office but being able to suggest new and better ways of doing things.
  1. Be organized. I realize that I’m a ridiculously organized person but there’s nothing worse than sitting in a meeting watching someone fumble around for stuff. It’s painful for others to watch and for the person being watched. Disorganization can be confused for not caring and being respectful of others’ time.  When meeting with other members of the team, take a few moments to prepare. Don’t assume that everything is immediately accessible.
  1. Work outside of your department, company, and industry. If you work in a perfectly cohesive team right now, congratulations! Your working situation is rare. And dare I say, not helping you get better at team development. Working on a team can be challenging, frustrating, and downright hard. It can also be incredibly fulfilling, educational, and lots of fun. Regardless of your years of experience, look for opportunities to work on teams that will give you both. 
  1. Set the right priorities. High performing teams accomplish their goals because everyone on the team has the same priorities. Are your priorities the same as the rest of the team? If they’re not, ask yourself “Why?” Do you need to have a conversation with the team leader about your concerns? Are you the right person to be on the team? But if you haven’t bought in to what the team is doing, then you owe it to yourself and the team to find out why.
  1. Meet your deadlines and keep your promises. Your credibility as a team member is important. The quickest way to lose it is by not being a person of your word. I understand that stuff happens but that’s no excuse for leaving the team waiting. Renegotiate your commitments when necessary. The team wants to count on you because, at some point, you’ll need to count on them. Set the example you want to see in others. 
  1. Understand your influence. Everyone has power and influence. Everyone. It’s important to realize that and use your influence for positive outcomes. Not only is it bad to use your power for the wrong reasons but it’s equally bad to not use your influence when you could. In those situations, the rest of the team knows that you can change a situation and you didn’t step up. 
  1. Have fun. Whenever I see lists, have fun is always seems to be the final one. Let me suggest that being a part of a team should be fun. Yes, there will be tough days. But you really should have more fun days than tough days. The team should find ways to have fun, laugh, and celebrate their successes. Building some kind of bond with the rest of the team will help everyone become better team players.
  1. Respect others even when you disagree with them. I read somewhere that “Dream teams are made up of diversity not sameness.” No matter what happens on the team, the individuals on the team should be treated with respect. That doesn’t mean you can’t disagree. In fact, the team might need to disagree to produce their best work. But you can raise questions, show concern, and disagree with respect.

Even employees who are considered “individual contributors” have to work on teams. We all must have the ability to work with others. And it takes effort to do that. 

I find that lists like these are good reminders for me about all of the things I need to do to be a good team player. Because it’s hard. Somedays I’m very focused on being organized. Then somedays, I might be focused on deadlines. It happens. The good news is if we’re all focused on being a good team player, then the other members of the team are too. 

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Las Vegas, NV

Your Career: Development Strategies To Consider

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mall sign careers success starts here with development strategies

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I wanted to share a few career development resources given the state of the current job market. I hate to say it, but ageism still exists. A recent article on Next Avenue mentioned that many older workers have lost their jobs due to the pandemic and it’s possible they will not be asked to return to the workplace because of their age. 

Traditionally, many workers have relied on their employers to provide professional development opportunities. And I agree, they should. It’s important for organizations to make investments in an employee’s career and future with the organization. If they don’t, it could result in high turnover.

But that doesn’t mean employees are off the hook. Employees need to have their own personal career development strategies. They need to be able to articulate to their managers what they want in terms of a career. In addition, employees should have an honest opinion about the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to work on. And when the company isn’t ready or willing to provide career development strategies, employees need to figure it out on their own. 

If you’re looking for a little creative inspiration when it comes to developing your own career strategy, here are a few articles that you might find helpful:

The Top 5 Soft Skills That Employers Should Look For

Soft skills are in big demand. Employers want to identify them in candidates. Learn the top soft skills that employers look for when hiring.

Networking: 7 Proven Ways to Grow Your Career

Whatever stage you’re at in your studies or career, networking can connect you with exciting opportunities. Learn to network successfully.

How to Get Better Results in Your Work

Results at work can lead you to career success. But delivering a great outcome doesn’t just happen. Learn 7 steps that will help you get better results at work.

Integrity: 6 Ways to Improve Trust and Values

Integrity is the foundation of trust and respect. Good leadership needs strong values. Here are 6 things to focus on to improve organizational integrity.

10 Ways to Be a Better Team Player

Being a better team player can be a boost for your career. Companies look for it in promotions. Learn 10 ways to be a better team player.

Innovation and Leadership: 7 Qualities Organizations Need for Success

Leadership is needed more today than ever today. Innovation is key to success and growth. Here are 7 qualities in strong organizational leadership.

Understanding what companies are looking for can help you define where you’d like to see your career now and in the future. It can help you identify the resources you’d like when negotiating with the company. It can also help with your overall work performance (which often helps with your paycheck and future opportunities, if you know where I’m going).

Career development strategies benefit both you and the organization you work at. While those conversations should be happening on a regular basis, don’t miss out on opportunities to develop yourself. Be prepared! 

Make a FINAL File for Your Loved Ones

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Quote box saying organization shall set you free including planning your final wishes

I know it’s a terrible time to be writing this post. Or maybe, depending on how you look at it, it’s the perfect time. 

I ran across an article in TIME titled, “Why You Need to Make a ‘When I Die’ File – Before It’s Too Late”. It’s a good read that you should check out. It reminded me of the article I wrote recently on “Loved Ones Must Know Your Health Care Wishes” and how important it is to plan a little for the future. 

Talking about illness and death isn’t fun. None of us want to do it. I remember every time we visited my father-in-law, he would at some point have the “When I die…” conversation. On one hand, you dread it. That’s not why you came to visit. It’s to enjoy his company. But when his health did start failing, we were prepared. And it allowed us to focus on making his final days comfortable versus worrying about papers, insurance, etc.

The gist of the TIME article was to put all of those things that someone might want or need in a file. It could be a paper file or an electronic one. That’s up to you. But think about what you might want to share with someone. I kinda like calling it a FINAL file versus “When I Die” folder. You can figure out what you want to call it. Here are a few things to consider:

Family traditions. One of the things that struck me in the TIME article was that a mother included her famous family recipes in her FINAL file. I could totally see that being important to her children. How many traditions are passed along from generation to generation? And how many of those famous meals are simply in someone’s head?

Estate and household paperwork. Make sure your will, power of attorney, and health care directives are someplace where people can access them. Also make sure that whoever will be handling your affairs knows where your bills are because they have to take care of paying your final utilities bills, credit cards, etc. 

Directions on how to access your digital life. In today’s very technology driven world, chances are we have cell phones and computers. They’re probably locked with passcodes and should be changed regularly. I know that I don’t want to let a bunch of people know every time I change a password. But it could make sense for me to keep all of my passwords in a password management program with instructions how to access it in my FINAL file. 

Final letters to loved ones. Depending on your situation, you might want to draft final letters to relatives and have them in your FINAL file. Maybe to a spouse, child or grandchild. Possibly to someone who you haven’t spoken with in a long time. Entirely your decision, but nonetheless, a decision you should think about. 

The goal here isn’t to do all of this at once. Which is exactly why you want to start this project earlier than you might think. But maybe take an hour each month to start thinking about it and putting it together. This could be a good project for us to remember all of the estate planning we need to do. And it will ultimately be helpful for our family and friends at some point in the future.

Quote from Chef Alton Brown captured by Sharlyn Lauby